Cone beam imaging and audiometric evaluation of the eustachian tube in OSMF: A case-control study

The rising incidence of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) among younger Indians and its potentially aggressive progression necessitate investigation of deeper structural changes, including those affecting the eustachian tube (ET). Hence, this 2-year departmental study evaluated morphometric and volumetric alterations in 77 participants (48 OSMF patients and 29 healthy controls) using clinical examination, CBCT and audiometric assessment, with OSMF cases classified by functional stage. Half of the OSMF patients showed an interincisal opening of 25-35 mm (M2) and significant reductions in ET length and volume were observed in the study group compared with controls (p<0.05). ET dimensions and audiometric findings also differed significantly across OSMF stages (M1-M4), indicating progressive structural compromise associated with worsening auditory function (p<0.05). Thus, we report CBCT-based evidence that OSMF is associated with stage-related ET morphometric and volumetric reduction, contributing to auditory impairment and broadening understanding of its deeper oropharyngeal effects.